As we come to the end of term, there is much to reflect on what has been yet another unusual time for our school and community. It was wonderful to see students and staff returning to school after Alert Level 3. l am very proud of the way our staff and students navigated Alert Levels 3 and 4 to ensure that quality teaching and learning still occurred.

Returning to school has been easier for some than others. Whilst we were not in lockdown for anywhere near the length of time as Auckland, this level of change, coupled with last year, has had an impact on our young people and our school. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, with the focus ‘Mā te kōrero, ka ora’ (take time to kōrero). Now is an opportune time to talk to those around you and check in on their mental wellbeing. If you know of people (students or adults) who you feel require support at this time, please reach out to them or for them. We live in a very caring community and there is support out there. Our Community Centre has put together a fantastic support directory “Need a Hand / He Awhina Mōu”. This is available at our main office, the Community Centre and the several shops in Katikati and Waihi Beach.

At this point I would like to acknowledge the work of our Head Boy for this year, Dandré du Plessis. Dandré has recently left school to pursue his dream of full time employment in the beekeeping industry. We would like to wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his support and involvement with our school. Rhymis Ormsby will be stepping up to be Head Boy and Connor Wilmshurst will be supporting him as Deputy Head Boy. Thank you to Rhymis and Connor.

Following our return to school, we have been focussing particularlyon supporting those students who are working on NCEA. I would like to congratulate those students who have already achieved their Level 1, 2 or 3. Well done on your work this year. I would encourage you to keep striving for best in your subject areas and excellence in your external exams. For those students who are still working towards these achievements, keep going! Talk to your teachers; what supports are in place for you, what else do you need? Don’t leave it to the last moment!

In the past we have had a very active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to fundraise to support the students of our school. I would like to thank Tracey Crapp and Wendy Browne for the extraordinary work that they have done over the years to support and lead our PTA. At the very start of Term 4 we will be holding an AGM for the PTA with a view to recommencing this group within our school community. If you have any questions or would like to express your interest, please email principal@katikaticollege.school.nz. Otherwise l look forward to seeing you at 6pm on Thursday 21 October in the College staffroom for the AGM.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Ruth Flanagan and Mr Mike Meade for their work whilst being a part of the Senior Leadership Team during Term 3. Their contribution to the school has been greatly appreciated. At the end of this term we welcomed back Ms Libby Bevin and Mr Ian Nicholson will be returning for the start of Term 4. I would also like to farewell Mrs Shannon Dean who leaves us at the end of this term to take up a position at Otumoetai College - we wish her all the best for the future. We will be welcoming Mrs Kylie Backhouse-Smith as our new drama teacher and Head of Faculty Arts at the start of week 3 Term 4. Kylie is joining us from Ashburton College.

Even though it may seem that we were away from school for weeks this term, please take the time to have a restful holiday. Lockdown was not a holiday! Both staff and students require some down time in preparation for Term 4. Enjoy time with your whānau and take some time for yourself. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school.

Ngā mihi nui

Lou Buckley

Acting Principal